Overview
- Kaelon Black addressed the criticism in a new interview, saying “I gotta prove my coach right” as he heads into his first on-field work at rookie minicamp this week.
- The 49ers chose Black at No. 90 in the third round, well above most public boards that placed him roughly between Nos. 179 and 210.
- Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team graded Black as the No. 2 running back in the class and stood by the pick based on their evaluation.
- Analysts remain skeptical, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. giving San Francisco’s class a C and arguing the team drafted players ahead of projected value.
- Black brings 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns from Indiana’s 16-0 title season, limited recent receiving, and a reputation for pass protection as he competes behind Christian McCaffrey with Jordan James, Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor, and Sincere McCormick.